Growing Black-eyed Susans

Plants that produce seed heads are among the most difficult from which to harvest seed, according to our source. Black-eyed Susan is one of these.
It is not advisable to plant the seed head. The recommended method is to remove the seeds from the head and store them in a cool, dry environment until next spring or summer. Then plant them.
If you choose to divide the plants instead (or in addition), do it in the spring or next fall.

Black-eyed Susans will indeed "die down" in the fall. You can cut them down to the ground. They'll regrow.

It's normal for black eyed Susans to die back in the fall. Put your plant in the ground as soon as possible and water until the ground freezes. It should come back nicely next year.

We would normally recommend that any cold hardy perennial be pulled from the container in the fall and planted in the ground before it freezes. Some gardeners put the entire container in the ground for the winter, but the container must be heeled into the ground to protect the roots which tend to be less cold hardy. Water well and cover with lots of mulch until spring.

Plant Black-eyed Susans when the soil temperature has reached 70 degrees F for best seed germination. In many parts of North America, the planting period is March to May. The flower will flower June to September. Germination takes 7 to 30 days. In general, Black-eyed Susans mix very well with most perennials, shrubs, and plants. Note that they can be territorial in that they tend to squash out other flowers growing near them so keep them in control and don't crowd them.

In Georgia, sow black-eyed susans by seed in loosely covered soil that is fertile (so add organic matter if needed). They are sun lovers so plant them in a place that receives full sun.  After the first season, they can reseed themselves. These plants are susceptible to powdery mildew fungi, so begin an organic antifungal program if the lower leaves turn brown and twisted. Make sure you don't crowd them as they need some air circulation. Keep the soil moist and water at the ground level not on their leaves and petals. Check with your local garden center for sprays that are approved in your area.

Divide black-eyed susans in the early fall while the soil is still warm but the nights are getting cool. Make sure the transplant area is nicely prepped with compost and that it will drain water well.

Yes, you can cut the black-eyed susans, even down to the ground when the foliage reaches about a foot or two in height.  They regrow quickly and it makes for a more compact plant that's at a more reasonable height.

Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) have a solitary flower head. It is not this plant. It's really hard to say without a photo!

Watering twice a day is too much for most plants, certainly for this drought-tolerant beauty. (Drought-tolerant means that it can go long periods without water.) Our sources suggest that it thrives in hot, dry environments but like all—ok, most—living things, appreciates a splash once in a while. Deadheading after flowering can result in more (smaller) blooms. Cutting back to the highest green leaf after the first frost in your area is acceptable but not essential. The flower seeds heads provide food for birds.
We hope this helps!

Good question. When they get a bit "ratty," we cut them down half way or even lower, and they will often grow a whole second set of blooms in the fall.

They often get droopy in the afternoon from the heat of the sun and perk up in the morning. Keep them perkier by watering deeply in the morning and only as often as needed (when about the top inch of soil is only slightly moist) to encourage your plants to send down deep roots.